A love affair to remember.

The polar bear capital of the world.

Gawd it's hot today.  What will I do?  Yep, lie down again.  I'm not called Loafer for nothing.

And out of the bushes came .....

Brown bear paw impression (R).  Polar bear paw  (L)

Big thrill - Loafer and I.

"The polar bear, more than any other animal, symbolises the Arctic.  People all around the world who will never see one knows what they look like.  Like the vastness of the polar sea ice  it has evolved to be at home on, the sheer size of an adult polar bear is impressive.  It's pristine whiteness matches the backdrop of snow and ice we all associate with the Arctic."  Ian Stirling polar bear researcher for more than three decades.  

Don't ask me why but I'm fascinated by the big bears and polar bears are the biggest.  I went to Churchill hoping to see some a learn about them and that I did.  Researchers think that polar bears evolved from brown bears about 120 000 years ago and then spread across the polar regions of the Arctic.  They are highly specialised animals perfectly adapted to their environment.  The males are the biggest and can weigh up to 650kg and females up to 250kg.  They feed mostly on ring seals and only when on the sea ice .  They spend the summer months in a kind of walking hibernation and are very hungry by this time of the year as they wait for the sea to ice over again and, hence,  they can begin hunting and eating once again.   They evolved to be large animals as an efficient way of conserving energy.  It is estimated that they need to eat at least one seal a week during the winter to ensure they have sufficient reserves to see through the summer on land .  And so they congregate near where the sea ices over first and wait for it to happen.  One such place is Churchill and life in Churchill is dominated by polar bears at this time of the year and they roam through the town looking for food.  

The real thing.

A REMINDER, CLICK ON ANY PHOTOS YOU WANT TO SEE IN MORE DETAIL TO ENLARGE THEM.

The next morning we were all up and buzzing and on the road early.  The tundra vehicles were parked just down the road but we weren't able to walk.  We had to be driven down in case we were confronted by a polar bear.  Tundra vehicles are big clumsy looking vehicles.  These particular ones are ex fire trucks which have been stripped down to the essentials, fitted with the cabin and huge tyres.  They have a heated cabin and a viewing deck on the back and they slowly lumber around the designated areas.  They're also high off the ground providing safety from polar bears if they show interest in the smells coming from the vehicles.

Our coordinator, Mike, had repeated the possibility of not seeing any polar bears and reinforced the fact that other animals in the area are just as important in the local environment of western Hudsons
Bay.  Who did he think he was fooling?  At that point I was totally disinterested in skinny little arctic foxes.  I had come half way around the world to see big, beautiful polar bears.  After an appropriate amount of tension and build up, something was spotted.  Two white lumps  on the horizon.   They seemed to be walking together and then parting; sniffing through the bushes and sniffing the air.  They were two males waiting at Churchill for the water to freeze.

Mike told us to watch because something might happen.  Ten minutes pass and the bears saunter around, back and forth.  Mike warns us that this is a polar bear heat wave and the bears may not be too energetic.  Then out of the blue, they start sparing.  Two big boys playing at being boss.  Such a fabulous surprise.  The reaction of the group on the bus was was a huge "Ahhhh!"

I won't bore you silly with minute details of every sighting but each one was equally exciting and had us all on edge.  Such a privilege to be so close to these ancient and majestic creatures.

More photos in the next post.

Truly Lords of the North.

They say anticipation is half the enjoyment.  Not always; and nor did this trip fit that description.  I had been thinking about it and saving for it and planning for it and excited about it for quite some time and yet I was not disappointed with the experience.  I fell in love with the big bears in 2010.  They are majestic, intelligent, ancient and VERY big;  and so the seeds were sown for seeing and learning more about polar bears, the biggest of them all.  It seemed so unattainable and intriguing to a Queenslander.  And so to Churchill I went full of anticipation and excitement.

Our first stop was a rainy and cold Winnipeg.  We visited some interesting places such as the Museum which was a good preparation for where we were to go and what we would do.  We also visited the new Polar Bear Conservation Centre which will be working with other agencies to expand research into polar bear conservation.  This centre will be part of polar bear rescues which includes transitioning rescued cubs to various parts of the world.  The greatest surprise was an introduction to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.  The building is still under construction but the concept and the planning are well under way and we spent an interesting afternoon be informed by the woman who will be the Director.  It is part of Canada's commitment to recognising, celebrating and promoting Human Rights and a reflection of their Charter of Human Rights as part of their Constitution.

However informative and interesting all of this was, all I wanted to do was get to Churchill.

We flew in under the clouds and were greeted by a couple of staff from the Churchill Northern Study Centre (CNSC).  We were taken to a lecture room and completed paperwork and had a safety briefing, the core of which was we were not to go out of the centre without permission or an armed guard.  Um, things are getting interesting.  We had a quick dinner and then off to our first lecture.  This is what I had come for to learn about and see polar bears.  YES!!!  We were told about the western Hudson Bay population, the ecology and other marine animals in the area.  We also learned about research that was currently happening at the centre.  We needed to know something because we were spending the next day on a tundra buggy hoping to see some bears.  Oh boy!  How good is that?

I thought I could

Early to the airport thanks to a kind friend.  Get through security - of all things - I lost my Chapstick and my nail file.  It must be my new, dangerous granny look that did it.  Wait around for a long time and then load on to the plane.  Having managed almost no sleep the night before I did manage a doze on the flight to Auckland.  Offload at Auckland, freshen up and wait around for another long time.  There were some magnificent woolen goods to buy (wool mixed with possum fur) but those I don't need as a general rule.  I found a quiet corner of the terminal and did a couple of sets of Tai Chi and turned around to see this gorgeous young blonde thing just about tying herself in knots.  So it's not just the old broads who need to loosen up!  In through Security again and this time it was water.  I (along with others) had to guzzle down my water before getting through.

Onto the plane again and ..... what's this ....... no one else in my row of three seats.  Could I be so lucky on a long flight?  Almost.  After take off when the Captain said we could move around the cabin, a young girl escaped from two strange men and settled down in my row.  I did send a steely look her way but I can understand why she did it.  Hence, not much sleep between Auckland and San Francisco.  I do like Air New Zealand.  They're really good

Coming in to SFO was spectacular.  At first, there was just endless blue water and a tiny shadow of our plane below us.  Then the occasional leisure craft and some puffy, little white clouds.  The clouds became quite thick and it looked like little mountains of white below us with rainbows on top of them.  Magical.  And a reminder of my long ago parachute jump - seeing circular rainbows above the clouds.

When we crossed the coast, it was magnificent.  Miles and miles (we're in the States now) of sandy cliffs and beaches with waves rolling in.  This was followed by mountains and green bush land with a few houses perched in strategic places among the trees.  It brought to mind bush fires and beautiful homes being lost.  The plane banked and the huge bay came into view.  So here I am at last.

Getting through Customs and Immigration took forever with one hold up after another but I had plenty of time so the time didn't matter.  Being sent from one place to another to another without resolving anything mattered but I got through that with patience in tatters but problems resolved.  Now to get through Security.  OMG another queue a mile long.  Just behind me in the line was a group of P*_+sh tourists some of whom I had previously noticed sharing a a bottle of Jack Daniels.  They were very impatient and if I took too long to proceed two steps they indicated to me that I should move along.  Having used up a fair bit of my short supply of patience by this time, I thought this would be a good time to undo the laces to my big boots in preparation for going through Security.  I can't understand P*_+sh so I just gave them a good Aussie smile and took my time.  Had my first X-ray going through security and, as a result, had to have my left shoulder patted down.  Only bones and the usual stuff to be found.  Then to collect all the bits and pieces, repack and put on my shoes.

The trip to Portland was fairly uneventful except for some passengers who got on the wrong plane and the captain announced,  " Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.  This is United Airlines Flight 580 to Portland Oregon.  If you are going to New York, you're on the wrong plane.  Yours is the one next door." And then a friendly face at Portland airport and I'm in familiar surroundings again.

I think I can ....

Well here we are again; at that stage where you think why did I do this?  I've got so many things to do and I can't remember them all and how will I get them done and I'm a very lazy person at heart and I'm just not meant to hurry and stress like this.  Because I'm basically travelling alone, I know I'm going to get lonely at times. Guess it will be worth it..... mumble ....... mumble .......... grizzle ........ groan.   Then my mood fluctuates.  What are you talking about, you silly moo?  You are one of the most fortunate people in the whole wide world.  Stop this silly nonsense and get on with it.  You know you will have the most fantastic adventure which will change your life in all kinds of ways.  Just do what needs to be done and count your thousands of lucky stars.  Then my mood fluctuates again.  But there are some people I'm really going to miss.  Oh dear, Carmel, are you a big girl or not.  JUST GET ON WITH IT and stop wasting time.

Yes that is one of the most difficult parts of travelling - all the mixed emotions before you go and I'm doing it too.  Help!



Need it. Don't need it! Need.......

This time I'm packing for one thing - snow and ice.  I'm a tropical girl and I have a feeling I don't know what I'm in for, but, Arctic Circle here I come.  My one big Snow and Ice Experience. 

Paradise.

Imagine a perfect winters day.  The sun is shining and warm.  The sky is absolutely clear.  The air is a little cool but not cold.  And to add to the pleasure, it's a week day and the traffic is heading into Brisbane as we head north to the Sunshine Coast; a wicked, secret pleasure after many years of being part of the rush to work.



Locals out for a stroll.



On arrival at Point Carwright, there are a few people strolling around with their children and throwing balls for their dogs.  It's all so relaxed.  Even the wild life are out for a promenade and not the least bit concerned to be sharing the boardwalk with people.  And so off for a pleasant walk.  I should imagine it will be quite nice.

Yes, um, it is quite nice ..... don't you think?

 In fact, it's absolutely magnificent.  What more could you want - a glorious day, beautiful blue sky and miles of perfect sandy beaches just waiting for your footprints.  Now this is an invitation just begging for acceptance.



Reel 'em in boys.



 

Alone on the beach.



Stairway to heaven.



T.A.N.K.

The Amazing New Kitchen.

It was a long time in the planning and even longer in the wanting but now I have it, I enjoy every second I spend in it.  Carmel, queen of the kitchen and happy to be so.

My house is not new and glamorous and has been in need of a TANK for many years. It's a 1970s house and, until recently, sported the original kitchen. 2011 was to be the Year of the House but it wasn't until I began working part time that I could give kitchen planning the attention it needed. In February 2012, it all started to happen. House renovations are not fun but now there's The Amazing New Kitchen and I'm so proud and happy with it.




Preparations for a party.

 
My old kitchen was functional and very loyally lasted the distance but it was poorly designed and very small AND had no dishwasher.  For a long time I told myself I didn't need a dishwasher.  I was perfectly capable of washing dishes properly.  It wasn't such a bad job.  It was very satisfying to see clean dishes after washing them.  You know, the usual garbage when you're trying to convince yourself of something.  But now I admit the error of my ways and say unashamedly that I love my new kitchen.

However, getting a new kitchen is not without it's pains.  Deciding what will look good and suit the available space is so difficult.  Especially if you dare stop and think you'll be stuck with any mistakes for a very long time.  What appliances? What colours?  What kinds of cupboards, drawers, doorhandles?  Hadn't thought of that but I did have one very important part of my new kitchen.  My beloved Turkish tile and everything else had to fit.  Having made the big choices of who would make it, what would go in it etc. etc., I settled back and waited for the rest to be easy. 

First the old kitchen had to be demolished.  Well that didn't take long.  Then a few alterations.  Only another couple of days.  I can live in dust and plaster powder for a few days.  Not a problem.  Then waiting for the kitchen manufacturers to install and organise for the plumber and electrician and gas man to come at the same time.  This won't take long.  It's all very quick nowdays you know and what's a little more dust. It will all be worth it in the end. 

In the meantime, cooking and washing dishes is becoming quite a back breaking chore.  And one can't be without fresh coffee can one?  So my tiny bathroom becomes the hub of the house.

 



Looking good!  Nearly finished; cupboards and drawers are in, appliances are in and working, bechtops are ......... they have to be measured by laser beams and then take two weeks (at least) to come.  Be patient Carmel IT WILL BE WORTH IT IN THE END!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  So my beautiful benchtops arrive and all is forgiven .... well almost, the splash backs can't be measured until the benchtops go in and then it takes another two weeks for them to arrive.  And they do and they are great.

Little did I know the biggest holdup was about to come into play - me.  Finding a floor I was happy with took forever, endless patience from the salesman and many samples.  I had, initiall,y waltzed into the show room and proudly announced what brand of floor coverings I wanted but would like to try a couple of different coloured samples.  Sure enough they came but they were gross.  So I tried some more and some more and the more I saw the less I liked vinyl tiles.  How depressing.  Then one day when returning the latest samples, I surprised the long suffering salesman by asking to see bamboo.  I liked it and had it installed within couple of weeks.  Then there was the blind.  Got it in no time and the kitchen was completed by July. No more internet searches, no more tradesmen and salesmen, no more thinking and no more dust.  It's just beautiful and I rejoice in it each day.  And it was worth it in the end, The Amazing New Kitchen.




Kitchen warming party July '12

 

A true Gemini.

I've had so much enjoyment from these poetic offerings and I hope you do too.


From Heather and friends at Warrigal Rd SEP

Nineteen fifty-one - what a very good year
That was when Carmel first did appear
Twenty-fourth of May - she was one of a twin
Terrible to imagine ther could have been two of them!

Born to a bookie - what are the odds?
Catholic and Irish - lucky sods!
Looks like a lady - can talk like a trucker
Can turn the air blue - you mother - ....of all AVTs.

Carmel's been teaching for so many years
She must have looked into millions of ears!
Deaf from all over the state would agree
You just don't mess with - Carmel Markey.

Lets think back to those who impressed her the most
J*##~*!  )^@+e -  now I don't mean to boast
But we did well to keep them both with their lives
Just had to keep Carmel away from sharp knives!

Another pleasant one to recall
$``3e~  &r-*n - the shortest tale of them all.
'Short Man Syndrome became the catch cry
Whenever he did something to put the blood in her eye.

How they both survived all those school trips away
Remains a mystery to this very day
But Carmel's professional attitude lasted
Never once to the children did she call him a .... rude name.

Carmel's an MPhil - or so Sara said
She studied and researched and wrote and reread
She spent time with George Booker on Maths - what fun!
And then at school made me test every one!!

Well we remember her style and her flair
The leather pants, jeans with no sides - that amazing red hair!
All the stuff lovingly knitted by Mother
Was that just for you - none for your brother?

Carmel won't have chocolate but loves a red wine
Chicken wings for morning teas - just divine!
Beautiful cross stich work she can do
And pottery freak - she loves it - it's true.

Carmel has friends the wide world around
And she is a good one they have all found
Loyal, supportive, a cheerful quick wit
And happy to help them when they're knee deep in .... trouble

So it's time to say "Happy Birthday" from us all
We wish you many more - hope you have a ball
Sixty will have advantages - if you look very hard
Forget the birthday ones - bring on that pension card!



From Julie and Friends at Taigum ECDU.

Carmel, this is a special day
So we hope you can stay
And have some afternoon tea
As we celebrate this milestone of 60!

You've taught deaf children
 for many a year
From Mt Isa to Zillmere Nth
So we give you a cheer.
For fourteen long years
You taught at Warrigal Rd
Finally a move closer to home
Saw you lessen your load.

With the change of scene
came a totally new role
Now instead of a class, the children
You visit steal your soul.
Ever since you came a few years ago,
You've always had a smile on your face,
Although at times, it has been a challenge
You seem to like the change of pace.

We don't see you often
And there's lots of visits to do
But we enjoy your chats
As you pass through.
A cup of coffee
Is often in your hand
Either Gloria Jean's
Or the coffee van.

In your spare time
You enjoy many things
But Tai Chi is a favourite
For the energy it brings,
It helps you relax
And calms you down,
So much joy it gives,
That you now teach around town.

Last year saw you leave
On a big holiday,
To America, Canada
And places far away.
It was in Turkey that you saw
Precious things, and you bought a rug
You loved it so much
That now you have the travel bug!!

A marriage proposal was
Offered to you
From what we have heard
There may have been a few.
We wish you many more years
Of Tai Chi, travel and fun.
You might even do
A marathon run!!

You're a wonderful person
And a very special friend.
Whenever it is needed
A willing hand you lend.
The past 60 years
Have seen you achieve
Much to be proud of
But there's more up your sleeve.

60 is old some people might say
But in your case no,
You don't look your age and
And you haven't started to slow.
Whatever you do
We wish you all the best
Do as much as you can
But take some time to rest.

You're thinking about reducing your
days at school
That seems fair to me
When you've given so much
Now let your heart rule.
I don't want this ditty
To go for too long
To keep you from celebrating would
be wrong.

On behalf of all here
I'd like to say
We're glad to know you
And for good health we pray.
As on this ladder of life,
You now climb another rung,
Congratulations Carmel on being 60
years Young!!

The big 6O.

When I was a teenager, I could imagine myself being forty,  Fifty seemed a long way away.  And sixty was nearly at death's door.  Well, I made it and, as far as I can tell, I am a long way from the grim reaper.  There's a lot to celebrate and a lot more to achieve.  After many ups and downs, I am currently at a point in my life where I feel at peace and proud of what I have made of my life.

Of all the things to celebrate, love and friendship are some of the best and good health comes a close second and, for me, they go hand in hand.  Support from family and friends has been so important to me at different times.  And so I felt a strong need to celebrate with many of the important people in my life.

The celebrations started with a surprise high tea at the Stamford Plaza from my friends at Warrigal Rd.  I was blown away.  I don't see them very often so it was an extra treat to spend a few hours with them and remember the joys of working with a staff and the wonderful/sick sense of humour from those days.  It was an afternoon full of laughs and wicked food in a delightful setting by the Brisbane River and spent with wonderful friends.  One of the highlights was a poem written by Heather in her own inimitable style and exposing me for my inability to cope with others' short comings.  (Inside joke, I'm sorry)  Such a lovely birthday surprise and I'd always wanted to go to a high tea.


A few days later, on the actual day, I was treated to another celebration by the staff at my base. This time it was in a less glamorous setting (it is Education Queensland after all) but there was plenty of homemade warmth and yummy food  in abundance.  Despite her protestations that it was a culinary failure, Colleen's birthday cake was the best and I, for one, enjoyed every crumb. 



Note the birthday crown.


Not to be outdone by Heather's brilliance, Julie had worked late into the previous night polishing her own poetic masterpiece.  This time Julie highlighted some more lofty qualities (I think it was about me) - I am a Gemini, after all.  Thank you so much, everyone at Taigum ECDP, it was a warm, loving afternoon. 




The crew at Taigum.









The rest was up to me.  I had thought about various ways of sharing my celebrations with others but, in the end, I wanted to do it in my own home.  The date was set, invitations were sent ,the menu was decided upon, drinks organised, seating planned and helpers at hand.  What have I forgotten?  Too late now.

It was a memorable night for me and I hope for others too.  I felt surrounded by warmth and well wishes.  The house was full of friends, laughter and flowers.  And all the time, thinking of my sister Ann.



Too much food, of course.

  







Someone commented on the diversity of my friends and I guess that is one reason why I feel so lucky. 

The Markey kids.



The action in the kitchen.











The younger generation.





The helpers who kept everything going.



So here we are.  The party's over but the memories are here for ever.  Thank you everyone for making my milestone such a happy one.

And......
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
just let me know when you think it's time for a facelift........

Stay tuned for the poetic accolades.
















A little piece of peace.

Although I am a city girl born and bred and I love all that beautiful Brisbane has to offer, I have found a little piece of peace and I love visiting it.  There are some places that are very special.  When you are there, life as you know it stops and is replaced by peace and beauty and wonder.  Such a place is Lynchs Creek in the Northern Rivers District just south of the Queensland border.

My brother is the proud owner of a beautiful part of Lynchs Creek with views across the valley and towards the Border ranges.  It is green and gentle and very spiritual.  Spiritual in the sense of Uluru or Fraser Island.

There are infinite different moods but all of them beautiful.  It is sometimes bright and hot and sunny.  At other times, it is clear and crisp.

It can be cloudy and mysterious or raining and grey.






And, as Kev discovered last summer, it can be fiery and threatening.

If you want to work hard and get plenty of farm life action, just say the word and Kev will give you plenty to satisfy your need.  Lots of big boys' toys.

If you want to enjoy a quiet break from the constant noise of work and the city, this is the perfect place.










 If you want to take in the sights, smells and sounds of nature, no place better.  If you love Australian wildlife, there is every chance you will see plenty.

And if you want a perfect setting to lose yourself in a set of Tai Chi, there are few places more peaceful and scenic.



There are magnificent National Parks close by and abundant inspiring views in the area.  You can experience rural communities without having to travel long distances.  And no visit is complete without a celebration of all this at sundowners.

And let's not forget the creek.  And rumour has it, platypus like Lynchs Creek too.

A little piece of peace.





BUT
just to fulfill the fears of my friends in the northern hemisphere who are more frightened of snakes than grizzly bears and moose ....

this little fellow just wanted to get into the bathroom.  Personal hygiene is important.  Isn't it?
http://www.snakecatcher.com/greentreesnake.htm